“Pretty good chance” Richardson plays Week One for Browns

Posted by Mike Florio on August 25, 2012, 11:00 PM EDT

AP

With the Browns two weeks away from their regular-season opener and running back Trent Richardson more than two weeks removed from his latest arthroscopic knee surgery, Richardson could be back on the field when the Browns host the Eagles in 15 days.

G.M. Tom Heckert said during Friday night’s pregame show (via the Akron Beacon Journal) that the third overall pick in the draft has a “pretty good chance” of playing in the season opener.

It would be a surprise if the Browns are cautious with Richardson. With everyone suddenly on the hot seat in Cleveland, they need to get the most out of Richardson, or they won’t be there when Richardson gives his most.

That ultimately could be why team president Mike Holmgren opted to trade up for Richardson. Running backs are the most likely rookies to make an immediate impact, and the current power structure needs a major impact, immediately, or new owner Jimmy Haslam will be bringing in his own guys.